The reasoning behind the timing of this is a little fuzzy. It appeared initially the 49ers would have been able to give Blair’s roster spot to Cooper without having to release Paulsen. A detailed explanation of the scenario is forthcoming. For now, expect Paulsen to remain with San Francisco.

49ers add receiver to practice squad

It looks like a slot receiver and return man is headed to the practice squad, per the Sacramento Bee.

Source: #49ers will add former Sac State WR DeAndre Carter to practice squad.

Smelter has been with the 49ers through three coaching staffs after joining the club as a fifth-round pick in 2015. He missed his first season recovering from an ACL tear and spent last year working through a significant hamstring injury.

Hikutini unofficially becomes the sixth member of the 49ers’ practice squad. He’s a good route runner and pass catcher, but must improve as a blocker if he’s going to evolve into an NFL contributor.

His dollar figure at signing indicates San Francisco thought highly of him following the draft. Some prognosticators thought Hikutini was worth a late-round draft pick, but a knee injury at Louisville caused his stock to drop. Hikutini logged one 20-yard reception in the final preseason game.

The Packers run a 3-4 defense similar to what Dial was drafted to play in during the 2013 NFL draft. If he signs, he’d rejoin former 49ers teammate Ahmad Brooks, who joined Green Bay after his release from San Francisco last week.

Just to clarify: Ex-#49ers DL Quinton Dial is scheduled to visit the Packers on Monday.

Practice squad

Jeremy McNichols was a focus of the most recent episode of HBO’s Hard Knocks for struggling in practice and missing a key block during the Buccaneers’ third preseason game. Although things didn’t go well for McNichols in Tampa Bay, he brings with him an intriguing skillset as a former receiver. McNichols had 314 carries for an impressive 1,709 yards and 23 touchdowns last season at Boise State. He also caught 37 passes for 474 yards and four touchdowns.

Rookie Nick Mullens of Southern Miss was the 49ers’ fourth-string quarterback throughout training camp and preseason. He didn’t see his first action until the fourth preseason game. The 49ers released Matt Barkley after he was beaten out for the backup job by third-round pick C.J. Beathard. Mullens is the third quarterback under control of San Francisco.

Not official yet, but #49ers intend to sign DL Noble Nwachukwu to practice squad, per his agent.

West Virginia defensive lineman Noble Nwachukwu was buried on the depth chart behind a wealth of talent on the 49ers’ defensive line. He’s versatile, capable of playing multiple spots and flashed some talent along with the second- and third-string defenders throughout the offseason.

Western Kentucky offensive tackle Darrell Williams was one of the 49ers’ leading candidates for the practice squad. He had a strong training camp and preseason and may eventually be inserted into the starting lineup after some development.

Waiver wire

Blake Bell, the Oklahoma quarterback turned tight end, was drafted by the 49ers in the fourth-round of the 2015 draft. He was an intriguing prospect at 6-foot-6 and 250 pounds that never quite materialized into the redzone threat former 49ers general manager Trent Baalke was hoping for. He was a candidate for the 49ers’ practice squad.

Bell was the only player waived by the 49ers to be claimed by another team.

The 49ers claimed Xavier Cooper, the former Browns third-round pick in 2015, with defensive lineman Ronald Blair expected to go on short term injured reserve with a hand injury. Cooper is likely to play the 3-techique spot behind DeForest Buckner, with the 49ers releasing both his backups, Quinton Dial and Chris Jones.

Cooper was only player waived by another team to be claimed by the 49ers.

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